So much to get to, so let's get right to it.


KUDOS to Mark King, President and CEO of Taylormade Golf Company, who came through in a big way for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad this summer.
King, whose big heart was on display for the nation to see in the television show "Undercover Boss" earlier this year, hosted an exclusive event for 45 of the area's top business executives, rallying them to give to the youth organization.
And give they did! Nearly $1 million was raised in less than one hour, which will go directly to complete the Bressi Ranch Clubhouse. Construction began more than four years ago. Currently, the Clubhouse is partially open and serves 100 children daily.
"When the economy took a nosedive a couple of years ago, our capital fundraising campaign stalled as well," says Club CEO Brad Holland. "We are 100 percent supported by private donations. This capital campaign was in addition to the $1.5 million we need to raise annually to operate."
Holland said construction will restart as soon as possible, and the hope is to do away with the waiting list of 148 children next year.


KUDOS to all of the businesses that participated in the Chamber's 2012 Business Expo last month (see the full story on page 2). This was truly a great event, a way for the Chamber to help promote the products and services of a variety of Chamber members. Your participation in this event really helped make it the top-notch, successful event that it was.


KUDOS to Urban Place Consulting for making the Carlsbad Village brighter. These lights (see the story on page 5) are a great addition, one that make the downtown come alive and more attractive to pedestrians.
KUDOS to Elevator, a creative agency, which won two silver "Stevie" awards at the American Business Awards for their work on a series of web-based videos that were created in support of a wireless printer server that works with Apple-based products. The humorous video clips led Elevator's client to more than 400 percent return on marketing investment within the first three months, according to a press release issued by the company. At the end of six months, the product achieved an overall return of more than 200 percent, recouping costs of all engineering, research and development and other integral product investments.


KUDOS to Schubach Aviation, which recently celebrated its 20th birthday with a star-studded gala at the McClellan-Palomar Airport that featured more than 220 guests, including community business leaders, non-profit organization executives, long-time clients, aircraft owners and other associates.
"It meant the world to us, and me personally, to have our long-time clients and friends there to commemorate our 20th anniversary milestone," said founder Henry Schubach. "We wouldn't be where we are today without them. Today we're in a good position to further expand our fleet and range of charter services, and we look forward to serving both old and new clients in the years to come."
Guests were invited to board several luxury aircraft surrounding the event site, including a Gulfstream IV-SP, Hawker 800XP, and a Citation II. A slick, black Lamborghini, Bentley GTC, Bentley Mulsanne, and a Rolls Royce Ghost were on view, courtesy of Symbolic Motors.


KUDOS for the City of Carlsbad and the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce for launching the already successful Carlsbad Business Academy, a four-week series of classes that will give businesses a better understanding of city government and their services.
The academy's sessions will cover Development in Carlsbad; the city's budget and economic development effort; services the city provides for businesses; and starting and growing a business in Carlsbad, including obtaining a business license, planning, permitting, building inspection and development services.
"We have offered a Citizens Academy to Carlsbad residents for many years, and we are happy to extend a similar opportunity to local businesses representatives. We believe this program will strengthen the relationship between city officials and the Carlsbad business community," said Kathy Dodson, economic development manager for the city.
The academy was so well received, it filled up almost immediately after it was announced.


KUDOS to GIA (Gemological Institute of America), who was awarded the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) School of Excellence award for 2011-2012. GIA's Carlsbad campus joins only 17 schools in receiving the prestigious award this year and was recognized as a recipient of ACCSC's highest honor at the 2012 Professional Development Awards Luncheon last week.
"One of the critical metrics ACCSC examines is student accomplishment, demonstrated through graduation and employment rates," said Donna Baker, GIA's president and CEO said in a statement. "Outstanding achievement by our students is a testament to their passion and drive, and to GIA's global commitment to excellence, integrity and ensuring the public trust."
Send suggestions for KUDOS to [email protected].